Review: Two Christmas Productions on Stage at Barter Theatre

ABINGDON, Va. – For those sad souls completely convinced that if it isn’t stamped “Made in China” or needs batteries that it can’t be Christmas, I extend my sincere condolences.
If you find lumps of high-sulfur bituminous in your stockings Christmas morning, don’t try to pawn the fault off on me.
For the rest of us, who still believe Christmas, Hanukah, the Winter Solstice or whatever else anyone chooses to call it means something special, may I suggest you treat yourself to one or both of the Barter Theatre’s magnificent, uplifting and soul-warming holiday productions.
Better yet, why not treat yourself to all three? I’ll explain in a sec.
Barter’s cozy little Stage II has this wonderful two-actor romp called “Another Night Before Christmas” featuring two of my Barter favorites: Wendy Piper and Eugene Wolf.
Piper is Karol Elliott, a burned-out, disillusioned and “just leave me the heck alone to cry in my chardonnay” social worker who doesn’t celebrate Christmas, doesn’t buy the whole schlep and is a sad and lonely little world of one.
Enter Eugene Wolf as The Guy, a grizzled, tangle-bearded, smelly old street person who claims to be Santa Claus, although his real name is Clement Moore – at least according to some papers Karol finds in his belongings when she agrees to launder his dirty clothes.
Because, yes, Santa or Clement or whoever he is, follows her home to her top-floor apartment accompanied by unseen – but heard – reindeer that set up noisy residence on her roof.
The resulting comedy is roaringly funny, yet chockfull of thoughtful commentary on the season, people and what Christmas really means.
Wolf has never been funnier, and Piper is his delightful and beautiful foil in this lovingly crafted theatrical treat. Music is by Steve Sensenig. And, by the way, the set is also especially good.

ALSO ON STAGE
Meanwhile, over at the Barter Main Stage, that great old Christmas chestnut “Miracle on 34th Street” stands ready to bring tears of delight to even the most jaundiced of us old Scrooges. It did to mine, and I like to think I am as jaundiced as they get – flint-hearted too.
Once again we have an old guy who thinks he is – or is – Santa Claus. In this case, it is Rick McVey who, in addition to lending Santa his humongous gap-toothed smile, brings a delightful realism to the role.
Now, here’s the part that explains seeing this production twice: The little girl, Susan, is played in different performances by not one, but two amazing young actors – Aria Binkley and Alexandra Eleas.
Binkley is a 9-year-old fourth-grader from Johnson City, Tenn. and is already a Barter pro, having performed in “Evita,” “A Christmas Carol” and “Oliver!” In “34th Street,” she amazes with her spot-on performance, fine singing voice and sense of timing.
Eleas is also an experienced Barter professional and talented beyond my comprehension. She is a bit older (11), but there’s never any doubt that her “Susan” genuinely believes in Santa, albeit from a slightly more mature angle. “Miracle on 34th Street” is her 14th Barter production.
Other wonderful kids who are also in this play are Madison Moncier, Clara Gambrel, Aleia McCloud Warren, Logan Fritz and Matthew Torbett.
The other “big people” are Frank Taylor Green, Amy Baldwin, Mike Ostroski, Tom Angland, Ezra Colón, Nicholas Piper, Michael Poisson Sean Campos, Ben Mackel, Ashley Campos, Gwen Edwards and Robert Kitchens. Mary Lucy Bivins directs, and that alone ought to tell you it’s going to be fun.
All of these beautiful plays finish off Barter’s 75th anniversary year, and what a year it has been. We have laughed, cried, cringed, cheered and laughed some more. Thank you Barter, thank you Christmas and may God bless us, every one!

-- “Another Night Before Christmas” runs through Dec. 21 and “Miracle on 34th Street” can be seen through Dec. 28 at Barter Theatre. Call (276) 628-3991 or visit www.bartertheatre.com for ticket information.